IFAD-VCDP distributes 191 water pumps, inputs to farmers in Anambra 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) on Friday distrbuted 191 water-pumping machines and other agro-inputs, worth N595 million, to farmers in Anambra.

Dr Fatima Aliyu ,Acting National Programme Co-ordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, made the presentation to farmers, drawn from eight benefiting local government areas of the state,in Awka.

She said that the agro- inputs and water pumping machines  were meant to boost dry season farming.

Represented by Mrs Vera Onyilo,an IFAD-VCDP official,Aliyu said that a total of 1, 495  farmers  across the nine VCDP participating states of Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun and Taraba were supported with inputs.

According to her, beneficiaries will make use of the inputs to  produce rice during the current dry season under irrigation system.

“The inputs worth N595million include pumping machines, resistant rice seeds and other agricultural inputs were distributed to the farmers affected by the recent flood disaster in the state,” she said.

According to her , each farmer is expected to cultivate one hectare of rice farm.

She lauded the state governor ,Prof. Charles Soludo,for his commitment and support to the IFAD-VCDPVCDP in the state and assured him of the agency’s sustained collaboration to improve the livelhood of the farmers.

Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, expressed Governor Soludo’s appreciation to the agency for the gesture.

She said the Soludo-led administration was passionate about agro -economic development of the state.

Dr Foster Ihejiofor,  Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development said with the inputs, farmers had been empowered to feed the state and the nation.

“This is a great way of creating wealth and employment for the farmers in the state”,he said.

Ihejiofor added that Gov.Soludo recognises the impact of IFAD-VCDP, but would want its programmes to fit into the vision and mission of the administration on agricultural and economic policies .

The State Coordinator of the VCDP, Mr Emmanuel Agwuncha, reiterated the need for the farmers to judiciously use the inputs for optimal productivity to continue to be in business.

He also reminded them that their project plans would not be approved without valid insurance scheme, aimed at protecting the farmers and their farmlands, crops, equipment and others from any hazards.

Some of the beneficiaries ,in their remarks, commended the management of IFAD-VCDP for the gesture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports 191 beneficiaries of the water pumps and farm inputs were visibly happy after the presentation (NAN)